Elmer Plante, 69, passed away Friday, June 25, 2004 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Elmer Plante was born October 22, 1934, in Polk County, MN, the son of Albert and Myrtle (Bestule) Plante. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith. He grew up and attended Oklee High School graduating in 1953.

On June 2, 1956, Elmer was united in marriage to Alice Gudmundson in Mentor, MN. He was employed in South Milwaukee, WI at Bucyrus Erie from 1955 " 1960. The couple then moved to rural Erskine, MN, where he owned and operated the Blue Diamond Fur Farm, retiring in 1984.

Elmer was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Oklee, MN, Dakota Gun Collectors Association, National Trappers Association and National Rifle Association. He also served on the Erskine School Board. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, loved collecting guns, playing cards with friends and traveling with Alice. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed making his special pancakes for the grandchildren.

Survived by wife, Alice, Erskine, MN; children, Lyla (Terry) Hoffert, Rugby, ND, Dawn Burbage, Oklee, MN and Marc (Kristi) Plante, Erskine, MN; 4 grandchildren, Stephanie and Teri Jo Hoffert and Hunter and Madyson Plante; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Lenny) Gebauer, Schofield, WI; nieces and nephews, Gail Plante, Terry (Connie) Plante, Jason Plante and Tawnya Plante all Schofield, WI and many relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Raymond, sister, May and son-in-law, Mike Burbage.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com